The government counsel told the court that the decision was taken at a high-level meeting of various departments summoned by Union Commerce Minister S S Barnala. The ministry has been asked to expedite the public notification in this regard.

The matter has been posted for next hearing on October 12.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by Dr B L Wadehra which is seeking a blanket ban on the sale, consumption and production of mustard oil in view of the widespread instances of dropsy in Delhi. At least 52 people are reported to have died and more than 4,000 have been affected due to this ailment in Delhi alone, while sporadic cases have been reported from other states as well.

The government has also decided to utilise the adulteratedmustard oil for industrial purposes like in the soap manufacturing units, instead of letting it go waste.

All edible oils, including mustard oil, would be allowed to be marketed in retail only in packed form by promulgating a separate edible oil packaging order under the Essential Commodities Act. And all packers would be registered with the Directorate of Vanaspati, Vegetable Oils and Fats (VVO&F) and registration number will have to be prominently displayed on each pack, the court was told.

A multi-agency testing and clearing group headed by Director, VVO&F, with members from different agencies and concerned state governments will be set up. The banned mustard oil would be tested by this group and sale of oils would be allowed in packed form only after this clearance, that too through cooperative consumer stores like the Super Bazaar, the government counsel said.